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TEKELl. 



"As performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury-Lanc. 




JNEW YORK: 

•fBUSHED B7 CKAULES WILEY, NO. 3 U'ALL STREET, H. r; 

CARFry, & I. LEA, AND m'CARTY & DAVIS, PHILADTr.' 

WTTA, ANP ?AML. H. PAR.KER, BO«=Tn\. 



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5 TEKELI. 

4 _ 



This piece made its first appearance at Dm- 
ry-Lane, on the 24th of November, 1806, and 
is said to be a translation by Mr Hook, Jun. 
and by him adapted to the Eng-iish stage. The 
interest is supported with much ing-enuity 
throug-h the whole performance, and the music 
on which the success of this species of drama 
so much depends, well suited to the action. It 
abounds in loyal and noble sentiments, calcu- 
lated for the meridian in which it was pro- 
duced. It was received with the most un- 
bounded applause, and announced for a second 
7'epresentation a-inidst repeated bravoes. ^ 



DRAMATIS PERSONtE. 



HUNGARIANS. 

Count Tekeli 

Wolf, his Friend 

Conrad, the Miller 

Isidore 

Frank 

Oificers 

Counsellors 

Citizens 

Alexina, the heroine of Montgaix 

Christine 

Attendants 

AUSTRIANS. 

Count CarafFa, the General 
Edmund, his Liutenant 
Bras de fer, ) q„, .- „ 
Maurice, \ ^^^'^"''•' 
Dragoons 
Dancers 

%^ The passages marked with inverted comms are 
omiitpd in thf^ rejtrrsmfaiinn. 




TEKELI ; 

OR, 

THE SIEGE OF MONTGATZ. 
ACT THE FIRST. 

SCENE I. 

A FGREST!— MIGUT — ON THE RIGHT A LARGE TREE, AKO- 
THER NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE STAGE, AND ON THE 
LEFT A THICK CLUSTER OF SMALL TREES —DURING THE 
LAST PART OF THE OVERTURE AND RISING OF THE CUR- 
TAIN, A STORM. 

Tekeli is discovered lying on the branch of the large 
tree^ and fVolf is asleep at the foot of the other. 

Tekeli Wolf! Wolf! he hears me not. Fatigue 
and want have overpowered him, and even these ter- 
rific peals of thunder cannot arouse him from his sleep 
— (music— he descends from the tree — storm ceases.) 
At whatever hazard it be undertaken we must leave 
this wood— in which, without the common suste- 
nance the human frame has need of, for two long days 
7-R'v-e i^^ndered in distress, r cgin but die, and if 



6 TEKELI; OK, 

existence be the sacrifice, how caji i ^ 

than in an effort to revenge my coultry's'^jongs upon 

my country's foes — {touching Wolf genilyf^oU^ tny 

friend. 

Wolf, (waking) My prince — 
, Tekeli. Hush, hush — 

Wolf. Yes— it is the noble count Tekeli. 

Tekeli. Rash man — 

Wolf, {rviing) Pardon me, much-loved sir, that 
name is fixed so deeply in my heart, it is the first I 
utter when I wake ; it is a charm against misfortunes, 
and I am unwilling to abandon it. 

Tekeli. Oh! Wolf, what tortures rack my breast for 
Alexiiia's safety — <or the safety of that wife, who 
during twelve successive inonths, has, m the fortress 
of Montgatz, wiihstood the vigorous and repeated 
efforts of the impeiialists. iNo earthly power shall 
keep me lon;;er from her, tliis day shall terminate my 
doubts — I'll save her or perish. 

Wolf. You may command me, sir, but be cautious 
—prudence must take the reins from love, and guide 
you in your course. 

Tekeli. Prudence !— oh, Wolf, can I in imagination 
see my Alexina felled to the ground by some unfeeling 
arm .''--'tis past endurance! the utmost boundary of 
this wide- stretched forest is the Torza's bank, thither 
I'll fly. and havmg reached the envied stream, plunge 
in its silvery tide, and— 

Wolf. --And die before Montgatz— no, sir— each 
pass and passage of the river is too strictly guarded to 
admit a possibility of such an undertaking--escape by 
force you never will accomplish; confide yourself to 
me and listen lo the dictates of a calmer zeal—restore 
to Hungary its greatest hero, a protecting husband to 
your Alexina, and a father to your people. 

Tekeli. ft shall be s«)— my fellow citizens have 
Tu-tPf' to my care their riglUs and pnvileses, ajid 1 wiH 



^ctiNt; I. THE SIEGE Of MONTGATZ. "> 

not \n one short moment of despair lose all the gloxy 
of a nine years' conquest. 

WoJf. We will gain Montgatz— though 1 am stre- 
nuous for the preservation of v/owr life, mine is of no 
such iiitport. To serve my prince, my country, and 
my friend, is all my wish — I ujU proceed among these 
mazy paths, and strive to find an outlet that may lead 
to liberty. Wait here, sir, till I return— lei not your 
desperation force you from concealment— be known, 
and you are lost. [exit Wolf. 

Tekeli. Oh! faithful friend— what hardships a)ul 
what tortures hast thou undergone for me — how shall 
I repay thee for such nobiu conduct — what can an ex- 
iled king bestow equivalent to such exertion — i am 
myself a helpless outcast, and- heait, heart, lie still, 
calm thy tumultuous beatings, and confide. For Pro- 
vidence, who guards the sea boy through the tempest's 
blast, and shields the warrior in the field of balde, 
will not forget the child of virtue in the hour of grief.— 

Re-enter iVolf. 
Wolf, are you there 

Wolf. Kush— speak low. 

Ttkdi. You seem alarmed. 

Wolf. We are discovered ; the imperialists are here. 

Tekeli. rhen all is lost 

Wolf. I had not gone an hundred paces ere I saw 
a lambent fiame among the briers ; ere 1 had time to 
think on what it was, a sentinel advanced and chal- 
lenged me — 1 flew — the alarm was given, and they arc 
close at hand. 

Music— Enter Edmund and Austrian soldiers. 

Edmund. Halt— I heard their voices. Who's there? 

Wolf. Hush— 

Edmund Who's there, 1 say ! 
[Wolfbeckom. Tekeli — music— Wolf and Tekeli having 

got into the middle of the dage, Edmund in action 

orders the men to make ready and present — Tekeli 

nml Wol'flav doji'U on, thrir- fno^. so fhal flrf. hnl/' 



^ » 'iEKEU;OR, Ati i. 

frotA the muskets may pass over them — IFolf covers 
the prince entirely — the instant they are doivn, at ike 
proper plac in the symphony the soldiers Jire. 

Edmund. Forward — charge 

[Tckeli and JVolf, the iyistant after the Jire, run iogt,- 
ther into the cluster of tr es on the left, unseen to 
the soldiers, but visible to the audience — the troops 
cross the stage charging, the tres ivhere they are 
hid break th. rank., and they all pass ojf'— they remain 
till they are supposed to be out of sight, they then run 
forivard, kned, and embrace — music expressive the 
lohole time. 

Wolf How is my prince ? 

Tckeli. Oh Wolf, these repeated shocks, the damps 
of night, and want of food, are all too much for me — 
i feel I cannot long survive. 

JVolf Oh heavens I and where can we expect as- 
sistance, so far estranged from all the busy beaten 
paths of men. 

Bras defer, (loithout) Halloo — halloo — 
Wolf A voice I 1 hear a voice. 
Bras defer, {without) Halloo, I say — comratles. 
Wolf. It is a soldier — perhaps from him we may 
gain some nourishment — strive, sir, to reach this tree, 
for as the morning dawns it will be dangerous to re- 
main without concealment. 

[Music — Tckeli ascends the tree, Wolf hides behind it 
— enter Bras defer, tvith a basket on his head, and 
a haversack on his back. 

Bras defer. Maurice — why Maurice, I say — well, 
there is nothing 1 am so fond of in the world asseciety, 

particularly in a dark forest why Maurice, 

where are you ? 

Enter Mauric, and when close to him — 
Maurice Why, at your elbow. 
Bras defr. Help me down with these things — there 
—there — I am tired to death — my limbs are weary — f 
was. you knov.\ wonnri"'? in battl/:?, ^n'J- 



j-cKKRi. THE SIE6E ©F M0NT6ATZ. r> 

Maurice. Then it was in the back, I'll be sworn. 

flras defer. No— 'twas in the heel, by mine honour. 
Maurice. If you were wounded so terribly, I won- 

> bow you contrived to escape at the last sortie from 
v' iNlontgatz— 

^ " Bras defer. Escape— why, though in a trivial busi- 
ness like this, I am slow ; yet, in any tiling that oon- 
oerns my country, such as ii retreat — la, I'm always 
the first to run. 

Maurice. Oh, you are a fine soldier, no doubt — all 
I wonder at is, that the general should employ you a^ 
his servant; cowardice is 

Bras defer. I'm no coward — on my honour, none — 
not a whit on't— only, I have the greatest antipathy to 
Hunger in the World^— and though ;'ve the best inclina- 
tions of any soldier breathing, my limbs never will ex- 
ecute the mandates of my heart— I'm for all the world 
like a boat, when courage pulls one way, I'm sure to 
go smack the other: — but, where is your detachment ? 

Maurice. I know not— 1 lost them in the forest, as I 
did my way ; and if i had not fallen in with you — 

Bras de fer. You would havey«//e« out with your- 
self for having quitted them ; however, the count, tho' 
a great soldiei, must eat, and he wilt drink ; as that 
is the case, I am sent forward with these provisions to 
the new post established m the forest, and as I have 
found you — and the hamper is heavy, we'll divide the 
eatables, and each carry a share. 

Maurice. Agreed — agreed — i make but one oargain, 
that is— tlie half I carry be inside my stomach ; — 
carry provisions — all nonsense — ko, no — master Bras 
de lier, we will, like true soldiers, stay here and re- 
cruit. 

Bras defer. That isn't a bad thought, by mine ho- 
nour isn't it ; under this very tree we'll spread our 
cloth and as the day dawns, we shall enjoy the piti'^' 
yect around us : come, lend a harrfl— 

VOL. XV. 7 



10 TEKELI ; OR, act. J. 

[Music— ihrv vnpack cloth, knives, plates, Sfc. and sit 

down at the foot of the tree, where I'ekeli is — Wolf 

still behind the trunk. 

Bras de fer. In the first place, there are some bis- 
cuits — there (he puts them by his side, Wolf takes them 
up, and gives Tekeli) — a bottle of tokay — with the 
cork out — 
Maurice. Put that away, and give us some brandy — 
[Wolf gives Tekeli the tokay, he drinks. 

Maurice. May our enemies have such wine as 

that to drink 

Bras defer. Come, a bumper ; I'll give you a toast, 
here's honour and honesty 

Maurice. Honour and honesty — well here's tooui* 
absentfriends — I say, talking of battles, bras de fer, 
did you ever see Tekeli ? 

Bras defer.. No — I believe I might hare once seen 
him, but I was moving too quickly to discern any ob- 
ject distinctly, and I did'nt stop to look behind me ; 
but, if you mean, am I acquainted with him— person- 
ally ? no — I never have conversed with him 

Maurice. Conversed — oh, you conceited rogue, con- 
verse with Tekeli : why, do you consider that he is 
much above us; and, no doubt, looks down upon such 
fellows as we — come, come, eat away, Bras de fer, 
no need of sparing, for we are to attack Montgatz to 
night. 

I'ekeli. Ha! 

Maurice. Not so much eating then, all hard work— 
I long for the time— we will deal desperation among 

the Hungary rascals 

Bras defer. Come, come, civility if you please ; 
ECcoUect you were a Hung'ry rascal yourself, before 
you began to eat ; beside, 1 like talking of fighting, as— 

Maurice. As little as you like fighting itself, I be- 
lieve you— the count Caraffa did intend to lay before 
Montgatz till famine forced the countess Alcxina to 
surreiKler; but he has heard tlrat Tekeli is actunlly 



SCENE I. THE SIEGE OF MOxNTGATZ. 11 

in this forest, together with his friend Wolf, disguised 
as a peasant 

Brasde fer. Wolf— disguised— a wolf in sheep^s 
clothing, I'm afraid 

Maurice. He is determined, however, to take him 
to-night before we attack ; and, therefore, he has 
doubled all the watches, ordered fires along the Torza, 
and ofl'ers a reward of one hundred ducats for him. 

Bras de fer. I say, if we could catch him any where 
asleep, and tie his hands, and legs, and then — 

Mauri&e. O fie ! you are a valiant sold ier ! 

wounded in battle — no, no — if 1 were to meet hira, I 
should hold it an honourto fight v.'ith a man so famous 
for his conquests and misfcrtunes. 

Bras defer, (draiaing his sioord) So should I — oh 
the rascal, I'd pulverise his soul to atoms — and hurl 
him down the pit of perdition — why, at Vienna, what 
did he do— nothing — if he were to rush out of that 
thicket, I'd exterminate him thus — 
[Tekeli and Wolf rush fonoard— music — Bras de fer 

tumbles down on his knees. Wolf seizes him — Mau- 

rice and Tekeli fight, Tekeli, after a struggle dis- 
arms him, and throtvs him down. 

Maurice. I am conquered— strike ! 

Bras de fer. I am conquered— pray don't strike. 

Maurice. Speak — ere the blow is given, who are 
you ? 

Tekeli. —I am Tekeli— your life, brave man, is 
your's,— the sweetest laurel on the victor's brow is that 
which mercy twines— one favour in return I ask. 

Maurice. Demand it, sir. 

Tekeli That you to no one mention our meeting till 
this hour lo-morrow— 

Maurice. I swear it— 

Bras defer. Oh, dear sir, do— you— wish me, sir- 
to swear, sir ? 

Woff. a^o. ffillnw, I don't ask an oath cff voa. ]n\i 



1:^ TEKELI ; OR, ACT. i. 

make one— if you mention a single syllable, dainnie 
I'll cut off your ears. 

Maurice. Farewell, sir, my life was in your hands, 
you gave it to me, and you siiall find, although your 
enemy, I can be grateful. 

jBras de fer. Come, comrade—come along — 
Maurice. Comrade ! — you forget — 1 have had the 
honour of fighting with Tekeli, [exit. 

Bras de fer. 'i'hat fighting is, no doubt, mighty 
pleasant; but I am so used to get a beating into the 
, bargain, that I don't think it quite so desirable a mark 
ofifavour as I did— good day, sirs — oh — [exit, 

Tekeli. Wolf, did you hear- this very evening is ap- 
pointed for the attack ; this very evening do they mean 
to conquer Alexina, and to bear her oft' in triumph to 
Vienna; there to expose her to the scoff's and insults 
of a phrenzied mob — but they shall not so easily ob- 
tain the glory that they thirst ibr : the sword that 
pierces Alexina's heart must reach it only through 
Tekeli's breast. J have an arm invigorated by the 
hardships of a warlike life, strengthened by heaven 
and the justice of my cause— that arm shall reach my 
Alexina, or I die — come on my friend— with thib good 
sword I'll hew me out a passage to the heroine of 
Montgatz— 

[rustic music and a chorus heard ai 
a distance. 
Wolf. Hark— here are peasants celebrating a wed- 
ding — perhaps by favour of ttiese disguises we may 
mingle in the rural sports, and easily escape the vigi- 
lance of the imperial troops. 
2\keli. Always delays.'' 

Wolf. Tis not till evening this attack is to be made, 
tis now just dawn, there is enough of time for strata- 
gem ; come, come, sit down — agree — in the name of 
Alexina I conjure yon -^it — thr>.v jifp horre — fehni vmn- 
srff fick ?ind lam'^ " 



<j:ls£. I. THE SIEGE OF J\K)N'fGATZ. 13 

[Tekeli sits at the foot of the tree, the chorus recom>. 
mmces, and, to a rustie march — enter the peasants 
idth ISIDORE at their head. 



Sound the sweet melodious flute, 

Strew each bloomiog flower. 
Strike the tabor, pipe, and lute, 

Hail the nuptial hour. 

fVolf. {aside) Conceal your arm. —Ha, ha, nay brave 
fellows —where are you going to day — so smart and so 
early too ? 

Isidore. Oh, sir, not far — not far — only to the rail! 
of Keben. 

Wolf, (aside to Tekeli) The mill of Keben, three 
short miles from Montgatz, and a bridge over the 
Torza — some merriment going forward I suppose! 

Isidore. A wedding, an' saVe you — and my own 
too. 

IVolf Marry and go to a mill, that's by way of get- 
ting used to the clack I suppose — well, I wish you joy, 
sir — [aside to Tekeli) In this lime of jollity we can es- 
cape completely unobserved. 

Isidore. Well, come on my lads, we're late, come 
on. 

JVolf One word, sir— you must know that 1 look 
upon myself as judge of countenances; and by yours 
I am apt to suppose that you are a — a — devilish good 
fellow. 

Isidore. You're pure skilful at your trade, for that's 
what every body says. 

IVolf You wouldn't, I'm sure, by that eye of yours 
—refuse a iiV of service where you could grant it. 

Isidore. Not I — and much less on my wedding-day, 
seeing, as if I was to do an unkind action, it would 
bring unhappiness upon me all my life. 

Jf^o^f. My frieucf and mysclt travelling on fop^ 



U TEKELl; OR, auk j. 

from Zathniar to Ungwar to settle the writings of ao 
estate — 

Isidore Oh dear — you are not lawyers arc you ? 

IVolf. No, no— plain honest men ; — but he being an 
invalid, and having torn his leg with the bramble here, 
cannot proceed — he has fallen again under the tree 
where we passed the night— now we only want to get 
to the mill of Keben, and — 

Isidor . Don't say another word — we'll do't— here 
my lads, chop down some branches, and make a litter 
for this poor traveller — and we'll carry him by turns, 
and my father in law Conrad will cherish you for the 
sake of }'our misfortunes. 

[music — ihey cut down boughs, and form a litter. 

Wolf But how do you manage your gaiety, are 
there not soldiers in the mill of Keben ? 

Isidore. Not in the mill. 

IVoJf. i^aside) Thank heaven, we are safe. 

Isidore. There is a guard at the foot of the bridge ; 
yes, that they watch deuced close, to keep away pro- 
visions, and more than even them, to keep away Te- 
keli ; for they say it would be a great misfortune if he 
were to get into the fortress— he is so mischievous — 
he's the very devil! and so the count Carafi'a will 
have him, and wherever he is he better take care of 
himself, for if he is taken, no more quarter will be 
shown him than would be to a common soldier. 

Tekeli. He wants it not — he can defend himself, — 
(Wolf looks at him) — and— {softem/ig h'S voice) — 
mercy is no more iiis due than 'tis the poorest private 
in his ranks, if both alike encounter danger for their 
country's good. 

Isidore. Well, are you really ray friends. 

All. See 'tis completed — 
[inusic — th^y lay Tekeli on the litter — Wolf takes his 
■ — hand — they raise him and carry him off—vroression 
— folloirs as it entered. 



6CESE. I. THE SIEGE OF MONTGATZ^ 

CHORUS. 

Sound tlie sweet melodious flute, 
Strew each blooming flower, » 

strike the tabor, pipe, and lute, 
ilail the nuptial hour. 



ACT THE SECOND. 



SCENE I. 

ii/i interior view of the inill of Keheii — hi ike front 
a barn filed with the implements of husbandry, be- 
yond is a cour^-yard bounded by a brick wall ttvo 
feet high, behind which runs the river Torza^ on the 
left in the third wing a water m.ill, beyond the mill a 
low wooden bridge runs from the second wing on the 
right of the last wing on the left, before the termina- 
tion of the bridge, on the right a ivind mill with a 
store-house beneath, in the back at the supposed dis- 
tance of three miles is the fortress ofMontgatz on a 
rock, the mills are both discovered in motion and con- 
tinue during the scene — in the front two or three 
barrels. 

Enter cautiously from one dosr, Christine, she crossed 
to one on the opposite side and listens. 

Christine. So, my father is busy — and Isidore not 
returned — he promised to be here at eight and it is now 
nine. If he was not to come now how the girls would 
laugh at me. I wisli he was here, for wifJiout Wm 
'M'prv thing appears dull. 



16 TElCtLl ; OPs, act :i, 

AJK. 

IIow sweet arc the flowers that grow by yon foun- 
tain; 
And sweet are the cowslips that spangle the 
grove, 
And sweet is the breeze that blows over the moun- 
tain, 
Vet none are so sweet as the lad that I love. 
Then I'll weave him a garland, 
A fresh flowing garland 
Willi lilies and roses 
And sweet blooming posies, 
A garland I'll give to the lad that I lovo. 

It was down in the vale where the sweet Totza 
gliding, 
Its murmuring stream ripples through the dark 
grove. 
I own'd what I felt, and all passion confiding. 
To ease the fond sighs of the lad that I love. 
Then, &c. &c. 

Chris. Well, Mr. Isidore, this is very pretty treat- 
ment on a wedding-day. (mvsic — she looks out) Here 
he comes, and all my anger has subsided. I'll run 
into my room, and wait till he comes for me. 
\Music — Tekeli is brought on by peasants as before, 
IVolf and Isidore, lads and lasses. 

Isid. Now silence — silence — I'll go and apprise my 
father-in-law. 

Enter Conrad from ike door of the mill. 

Con. Is it you, Isidore.^ — your hand. 

Isid. There, father — we have marie you wait — but it 
wasn't our fault, like. We met with a poor undone 
dtvil in the forest, who was so lame, that his comrade 
?(\id ht passed. a'U the night under a tree, and he 



<ci.N£T. THE Sl-EGE OF M0NTGAT2. iT 

prayed us to bring him here to get some refreshment— 
sn — so I thought, mayhap, you wouldn't be angry. 

Conrad. Angry — uo, my house and my heart are 
always open to distress, coino, where is he ? {TekeU 
Ociccmhjrom the litter) welcome, sir— welcome — 

Tekeli. Let us, I pray you, be no interrnption to 
your sports, honest Conrad. 

Conrad. That man has no mean appearance. 

Isidore. Where is Christine ? 

Conrad. In her chamber — let's go and announce 
your arrival. 

Isidore, i will, an' like you — but stop, father, I will 
give her a nosegay — ay, in good style too — 

\ Music — he knocks at the door, and kneds, 

Isidore. Now you may come out. 

iCnicr Conrad, leading Christine, JvUoioed by a gro^ip 
oj" girls — they form in an instant a bower over their 
h'ads with the branches of trees. 

Conrad. Come — come, stir about, let's have refresli- 
ment — you, sir, shall join us, you must needs come. 

Tekeli. Sir, you are very kind. 

Con. I never can be kind enough to those pursued 
by misfortune. We will take care of you, sir, and if 
you feel yourself too weary to enjoy our sports, you 
shall have the best bed in the province, far enough 
from us and all our noisy mirth. I'll stop my mill 
tliat you may sleep in quiet. Do as you like ; ask for 
whatever you may want ; and, provided it be not, 
contrary to the rules of honesty; or the interest of the 
emperor — you shall have it. 

Tekeli. Ten thousand thanks — (aside) contrary 
to the interests of the emperor!- — you heard that, 
Wolf— 

U'^olf. {asidi) Peace — 

Tekeli. (aside) Look at that fortress — my last, my 
only hope, 

n'oiT. (asif]€} We wtU be Hiere auon. 



ly TKKELI; OR, aca Ji- 

Coii. Come, sit, friends, [music — they seat ihetn- 
sclves] That's right uiy children ; now dance away, 
and it will be your turn to feast afterwards. 

DANCE — BY THE COKPS DV BAILET. 

[By memis of a pulley fastened to the beam at the top of 

the barn, they raise a dome of flowers over the heads 

of those at the table, and the dancers dance round 

with ths garlands — the dance ended. 

Con. Thanks, my sweet girls — and now, Isidore, 
give us a song. [drutns are heard — they all rise. 

Chris. What can this mean .■' 

Con. Go, Isidore, ai\d see. 

Isid. (goes to the bridge) Oh, father, it is a large de- 
tachment of soldiers coming to the mill. 

fVolf Then all is lost 

Con. To the mill? — show you respect then — go out 
— go out, youngsters, and meet them. 
[Music — they form a procession tvith their streamers, 

Sfc. and exeunt — Conrad going after the rest — JVolf 

remains, and Tekcli, tvho calls back Conrad. 

Tekcli. (looking abort) Honest miller — you are at- 
tached to the house of Austria — 

Con. I would die in its service — 

Tekeli. Suppose the greatest of its enemies, helpless, 
wretched, defenceless, and forlorn, took shelter in 
your mill — and was to ask your help — would you af- 
ford Jt? 

,Co7i. Defenceless? — would I — ay, that I would — I 
was a soldier, sir, for thirty years myself, and never 
had an enemy out of the field of battle — thare isn't a 
Hungarian among them I feel the slightest animosity 
towards but one — him, 1 should find it hard to bring 
my bosom to afford compassion to — 

Tekeli. Who is he ? 

Co7i. The count Tekeli. 

Tafef^A He is before you.— I am Tekeli I ' 



&i:£N£ I. THE SIEGE OF MONTGATZ. i"-!^ 

Con. You — Tekcli ? — is it possible— you Tckeli ? — 
{drums) — your danger terrifies me — were we in the 
lield, we should t>e foes — you are a hero, sir, and must 
not, shall not die ignobl}'. I took you, heedless of the 
consequences, a helpless stranger to my bosom, and I 
will not give you up because our principles may differ ; 
no — I promised you the rights of hospitality — and yon 
shall have them, (drums) What's to be done — these 
men, da doubt, will search every apartment of the 
jiiill — (looks around) we have no time to lose — let me 
consider — that cask— beneath that barrel you may re- 
main concealed. 

J-Volf. A thousand thanks — quick — sir, be quick — 

Con. Raise it. (TeJceli ^oxos unwillingness — they 
raise the cask, Tekeli goes under it) And you his com- 
panion . — mingle with my people, and perchance, you'll 
pass unnoticed — one instant later, and all our efforts 
would have proved in vain. 
[March — enter peasants and streamers — Isidore and 

ChristinCy Edmund, soldiers, Maurice, peasants^ 

Frank, ^c. ^c. — they range themselves. 

Edm. (to the corporal) Place a sentinel on the 
bridge — let nothing pass or repass without examina- 
tion, tili we have searched the mill, (the corporal goes 
out, and the sentinelis placed) Are you the master of 
this mill? 

Isid, I'he young master, an' like you — because I 
have wedded the old master's daughter. 

Edm,. Vou then are Conrad. 

Con. At your command 

Edm. Have you another entrance to this mill .'' 

Con. (points off' the stage) One — there — towards the 
forest. 

Edm. (despatches a sentinel and sergeant) My com- 
mission here is to make strict search for Tekeli — 

fi^olf. (aside) O heavens ! 

Edm. The emperor offers one hundred dncat^ to 
whoever will find and deliver him up. 



20 TEKELI ; OK, act. ii. 

Frank. I ask your pardon, sir — but how are we — 
',vho never saw Tekeli, lo know his person ? 

Edm. {reads the description) " The count Tekeli in 
height five feet eight inches; dark hair and eyes of 
a comnianding aspect, supposed to be in a peasant's 
dress." 

Frank, (aside) One hundred ducats are one hun- 
dred ducats, and if this be he, I'll have them. — Sir — 
I know — 

Con. (pushing him away) You know nothing, you'll 
scare)! the mill, sir? 

Edm. With j'our permission. 
Con. Christine, conduct these gentlemen. 

Chris. This way, an' it pleases you, sweet sir. 

Isid. (aside) Sweet sir — umph — he a soldier — she 
my wife — damme but I'll go loo. 
[The soldiers and Edmund, with Isidore and Christine^ 

go into the mill — ail the other peasants go cut at the 

hack, except Frank, who lurks behind — Wolf walks 

out of hearing, but not out of. sight. 

Frank. Conrad — master Conrad — I say — I can in.^ 
struct you how to gain 50 ducats. 

Con. How? (rtsiic?«) he has recognised him. 

Frank. By giving up the man they are in search of. 

Con. Whb? 

Frank. The count Tekeli. 

Con. Ridiculous. 

Frank. He is here. 

Conrad. Pooh. 

Frank. Upon my honour. 

Conrad. Nonsense. 

Frank. It is astonishing you did not ' -.ark hiui. 

Conrad, 1 had other things to think of. 

Frank. He is the comrade of that man, (pointing to 
Wolf) and he that your son-in-law found in the fores'; 
this morning. I examined him well at table, and he 
Is word for word as the captain described him ; besidr^, 
he Ires disappeared since the snldiers have been her^. 



> SCENE I. THE SIEGE OF MONTGATZ. 22 

So as he would be taken in your house, I thought in 
honour you should have half the reward. 

Conrad. Honour! — do you talk of honour? — you 
who for a few bits of gold would yield to punishment 
and death a man who never did you harm. 

Frank. But — 1 am poor — 

Conrad. So am 1 — but I will not betray him. I 
have With hard and constant labour saved a portion 
^ for my daughter ; this is her wedding-day— 1 have it 
here — 125 ducats is the sum, sir — take them {draws 
the purse) — they're your's — she will live more happily 
when assured her poverty has saved a fellow-creature. 

Frank. I will till 1 can get the whole reward 

myself. — [he skulks off. 

Music — enter Edmund, Isidore, Maurice, soldiers, and 

Christine. 

Christine. Well, father, here we are. 

Isidore. They have been looking every where. 

Conrad. Well, sir, are ynu satisfied .'' 

Edmund. Perfectly. 

Conrad. Here are two rooms you have not seen 
yet. 

Edmund, (merely looks in) The favourable opinion 
that tne count Caraffa has of you, shall be, if possible, 
strengthened by the fair account that 1 shall render. 
Now then for mirth. 

Isidore, (aside) I don't half like that fme fellow ;— 
{to him) yes, sir, — when you are pleased to gOv 

Christine, {endeavouring to correct him) He means-, 
sir — that we are not suflBciently skilled in the art to 
dance before such gentlemen as you — 

Eamund. I am sorry our presence should be a re- 
straint upon you, for here's my svarrant to establish an 
outpost in the mill till Montgatz be taken. 

JVolf. {aside) All is lost. 

Conrad. We shall be happy in your company. 

Isidore. I sh?.!l Ire ff-lmined to marrv before all tlw?*^ 
pconlc. 



22 TEKELI; OR, act ii. 

[Conrad reads the warrant, Edmund looks 

over, Christine and Isidore eonversc, 

and Mavrice comes from among 

the soldiers, and touches JVoff'. 

Maurice. 'Tisyou — 

JVolf. Yes — your oath — 

Maurice. 1 shall remember — 

Bras, (on the bridge) I lell you my name is Bras 
de fer, and I will go to my master — I will — 

Edm. It is my servant. — (the sentinel refuses htni 
admittance) — let him come — Bras de fer ! 
Enter Bras defer in a rage. 

Bras. Fine treatment for a man in office, to be 
huffed and hauled about — I'll resent it, and resign — 

'Edm. Terrible indeed — are the provisions safe ? 

Bras. Yes, sir, — i believe the chief part of 'em are 
safe enough — and in the forest we had such an inci- 
dent — we — ■ [Maurice comes forward with wine. 

Mau. (to Bras) A word and you are dead — corae 
—come, Bras de fer, you are out of breath, take some 
wine — 

Bras. 1 thank you — I'm not dry — 

Mau. A hint — 

Bras. I take it. 

Edm. Cojne, sirrah, you abuse my patience, — yooi 
story. 

Bras. Why, sir, as I was saying — sir — I — 1 — I — 
doi>t know what I was saying, sir — 

Con. This gentleman is not very communicative ; 
therefore, as this is my daughter's wedding-day, I re- 
quest you to make yourselves merry. Come, Chris- 
tine, do the honours of the house, serve the wine 
while I go fetch some of my oldest tokay. [exit Con. 
[They all scat themselves, two dragooits 
am(fn-g tM rcf?- 

Edm. To the taking of Montgatz ! 
.^n. Hu7?!a ! 



scExNE I. THE SIEGE OF MONTGATZ. 2:i 

2d Drag. I'll give his health — who first sets foot in 
Montgatz 

1st Drag. Thank you— 

2d Drag. Thank rae, it won't be you — I have lon^ 
bespoke that honour myself. 

Edm. This warmth pleases me. [aside. 

1st Drag. You'll never have it — I am as certain I 
shall be the first there, as I am that I could put in 
three bullets through the bung-hole of that cask at 
thirty paces distance. 

2d Drag. That may be, for you'll neither do one 
nor the other— — 

\st Drag. I'll wager you a month's pay of ihat — 

2d Drag. Agreed — captain, your leave. 

Edm. You have it. 

[They rise — music — they load — make ready, 
present — Wolf jumps on the tub. 

Isi Drag. Come, move, that we may take our shots. 

JVolf. Had'nt you belter fire at a bottle, or a Uec, 
or a — 

Sold. No — because the great art is to fire clean 
througi) both sides ; so get out of the way. 

fVolf. I can't — this cask is of great use to my mas- 
ter, and I will not see it spoiled. 

Bras. This gentleman wants correction. 
Enter Conrad. 

Con. What's the matter my friends.'' what's the 
matter .'' 

JVolf. Here, sir, they were going to fire at your cask 
— but f would not let them — 

Bras. Great harm, indeed, shooting an old barrel 
— it is good fbrnothing. 

Con. Pardon me, sir, every thing is of use in my 
house — besides, sir, firing among corn — 

Edm. Oh ! very true. 

Con. If you choose in the meadow to decide — 

Edm-. 'Tis well, Conrad— there von shall try vouv 



M TEKELI ; &R, ^cv u. 

1st Drag. Gome, then, as they wish il so. 
2ii Drag. Well, you'll get nothing by that 
Isi Drag. That's as time will show — will you cdp- 
tani, condescend t6 be the judge ? 
Con. You ought, sir, to decide. 
Edm. 'Tis well — I'm ready. [eoctuJit. 

hid. i should like to know" who'll win. 
Chri^. O lord, it will frighten me — 
, Isid. Pooh — come along you fool. "[eafieT/«f, 

Con. What's lo be doner 

Wolf. Heaven knows — he cannot long survive the 
heat — the want of air — 

Con. The sentinel too overlooks us to-night I 

send some grain to my storehouse across the bridge ; 
if in one of the sacks he — but he v/ould not subnut. 
IVolf. To any thing for Alexina's sake. 
Con. He must be saved ! — Christine ! — 
Enter Christine and Isidore. 
Chris. Here am I. 

Jsid. Here am I — what do you want father .' 
Con. Not you. 

Isid. I know that, but I dont chooseto leave my 
wife among all these soldiers. 

Con. Wait here, child — while this friend of mine 
and I have some conversation in your room ; and if 
any one comes near, cough so that I may hear you. 

J Vol/ (to Tekeliin the cask) Trust yourself to our 
guidance — stir not — 

[music — they raise the cask and carry it off. 
Isid. Christine — what is all that about .^ i 

Chris. I know not— what is it to us ^ 

[Bras defer appears at the wall listening. \ 
£ras. There she is — somebody with her — so as I j 
ean't talk, I'll e'en listen. 

Isid. What is gone with the man we found in tire 
forest ? 

Chris. Oh — noV/ your curiosity is all afloat. 

Ts'd. But then our hehi" fo couch if a'ny otif dJitfe? j 



Chris. Av, I wonder what effect that will have ? 

}3ras. I'll try— [coughs 

Enter Conrad. 

Con. Who coughed ? 

Isid. Not I — Christine — 

Chris. It was'nt I — 

Con. I wish you'd leave these jokes. [exij-. 

Bras. Treason's abroad, I'll go and inform the cap- 
lain, [exit. 
Re-enter Conrad. 

Con. Isidore, assist me — and place this barrel where 
it stood just now. — {piusic — Isidore rolls in the barrel, 
and Conrad brings in a sack — JVolf enters %inih one in 
u-hich is Tekeli) Place tliat sack with the rest, manage 
so as to give him air, and I will draw off Christine and 
Isidore. Here, children, I want you in my room. 

Both. Yes, father. [thy all go — Wolf places 

the sack, ande^it. 

Music — enter Bras defer, Edmund, and soldiers. 

Edm. A cough, do you say ? 

Bras. Listen, sir — I'll show you the plot — there, 
stand back a moment — now then — (covglis) — stop — 
(coughs) — What — nothing 

Edm. Wonderful discovery [they all laugh. 

Bras. You may laugh 5 there is a stranger with 
Conrad — and I know it. 

Edm. I'll satisfy both you and myself—open — (the 
door opens) — where is Conrad .'' 

Enter Christine. 

Chris. Here, sir — father, you ai"e wanted. 

Edm. With your leave I'll go in myself. • 

[exit Edmund, 

Bras. Ay, ay, that's best — make sure work of it — 
(to the soldiers) — and do you all stay here, and let no 
one pass without the captain's permission. 

Enter Conrad, Isidore, and Edmund. 

Edm. Pardon me, Conrad, but it is my duty to I00I1 
*o the interest of the emperor. 

"OJ . s". <> 



26 l^KELi; OK, aCxu. 

Bras, lie has not looked about piopcrly. Til gn and 
st^Bich ni3^self. [exit Bras defev. 

. Con. We were arranging how best we were able to 
acfcomniodate you during your stay here. 

Edm. I see, sir, I have been deceived— it was a 
servant of mine who came to inform me of this impor- 
ant discovery — he has often played me such tricks 
pfore, and I'll punish him for it, by keeping him a 
p visoner vvliile we stay here. [gives orders io the sol- 
diers, who stop Bras defer as he advances. 

Mau. Coufuie him — , 

Bras. Not me — it's a mistake, it is not me. — 

Edm. It is my ordei-k, sir. 

Con. Not in that roofti, sir — 'tis my daughter's. 

Bras. Faith, it's the only prison where I would re- 
main voluntarily 

Con. You had better take him to the top of the mill, 

Isid. Ay, he will there have a fine view of the fort. 

Bras. Oh, captain, pray forgive me. 

Edm. Away with him. [they cany Mm off, and 
presently he looks out at the top loindow. 

Bras. Halloo, captain, this is an exalted station in- 
<!eed — military promotion with a witness; however, 
iinlike most prisoners, I have a good prospect before 
me — 

Edm. Hold your tongue, fellow, or I'll have you 
bastinadoed. 

Con. Now, sir, with your permission, we will clear 
away these sacks, and send them to the storehouse. 

Edm. 'Tis well- 
Con. Halloo — Joseph — Pierre — Albert, here. 

Edm. Pierce each sack \yith a bayonet as it passes ! 
[Music — enter miller''s men and Wolf— they move tkt 

sucks, and at every sack that goes over the bridge, thf, 

finntinel sticks his bayonet into it — Edmimd gcrss <■■ ' 

i'c'ans over the wail. 

i\Tau. {asidi) Wheje h Thf. nrinrQ ' 



-uESKi. TtlE iJlEGE Oy iVlOMGAT-Z". '^: 

Mau. (aside) You dare not pass; I'll serve you 
T)0vv — you shall behold a conquered enemy's warm 

gratitude. Captain Edmund, i am a suppliant in 

the cause of sickness. Vorbcck — the sentinel on tlie 
bridge — was wounded in the last attack; he com- 
plained of wearmess but now — he has been on duty 
while we were feasting — let him have wine, and while 
lie drinks I'll take his post. 

Edm. I can have no objection— your hamanify is 
laudable ; to save the lives of valiant men is a desira- 
ble object. 

Mau. To save a brave man''s life was my wish, sir. 
[Ae takes his place ^ forbeck comes dovrn^ 
and Christine gives him wine. 

Con. Come, stir, stir — on with 3'ou — that fellow, 

captain, is the laziest of my men ; 1 verily believe he 

wishes the sack to hop over the bridge of itself 

[Music — JVolf carries off the sack of Tekeli — Maxirict 

feigns to pierce it with his bayonet — JVolf crosses — 

Vorbeck has finished his ivine, and returns. 

Con. iSow business is done, let us enjoy a little 
mirth. [drums and trumpets. 

Edm. Ha! — the general count Caraffa visiting the 
posts. 
\March — the detachment in the mill., with Maurice cam' 

manding, march on, and range themselves — ihemarch 

■is observed at a distance coming, till they increase iu 

size, and cross the bridge — the mill detachment present 

armi — cnfer soldiers, — standards of Austria, the 

geJieraVs aids-du-carmp, the co^mt Caraffa, soldiers 

~^the m.ill detachment fall in the rear,' and range 

themselves. 

C'ar(i/f'a. Edmund, have you made strict search 
here ? 

Edm. I have, my lord, but usuccessfully — 

Car. Tekeli's here 

' '•^■'. That CT'i mv oath T do fT^!u-, m\ lord. 



28 'I'EKELI; OE, AQxin, 

Car. Denial's vain a peasant coming here has laid 
the information — is lie, or has he been here? — speak — 

Con. I cannot answer that, my lord. 

Car. What hinders it? 

Con. Honour, sir. 

Cnr. In such a circumstance honour is but a word. 

Con. You think so— honour to me is every thing— 
the emperor shall not deprive me of it — 

Car. You brave his orders, then— fear lest— 

Con. I fear— no, sir—you are too just— you'll not 
abuse the power you enjoy— (a volley of musketry)-— 
what's that 

Bras { from the top of ihe mill) Oh! my lord, par- 
don me — I see, a man has escaped from a sack — and 
he, together with the man who carried him, are fired 
at — now they run— now they are close on them — they 
reach the river— ford it— now they have crossed— 

Con. (falls on his knees)— Then heaven be praised, 
I've done my duty Tekeli lives, and I am happy. 

Car. Ha !— this is too daring— Edmund, you have 
turned traitor, and abused your trust. 

Con. Tarrv a moment, my lord— he is not guilty— 
I alone am culpable— Tekeli threw himself before me 
in disguise— at length he owned himself— told me t'.iat 
I alone could then decide his fate— I love, adore my 
king, and would have died to have secured Tek^i— 
but when I saw the glorious hero at my feet, a suppli- 
ant to my bounty— it would have been an act of infa- 
my in me to suffer him to be betrayed— yet will I not 
deprive the state of any jot of its revenge, and here I 
stand prepared to die— for him who is my greatest 
enemy 

Car. On this the king alone determines — eomc on. 

Chris. What, my dear father, leave us— 

Con. Yes, daughter, yes— bq not alarmed. The 
laws we boast of will afford the meanest their protec- 
tion ; and while the power of pardon rests in so gocrd 
■a mo}i?<rcb's bi-G9.st as our'?- the jnrttr-er^t vill n^vrr 



scEXK I. THE SIEGE OF MOiNTGAtZ. 2y " 

suffer for the guilty. [they all fall into the procession. 

Edm. Lead on— it is not yet too late to take Tekeli. 

\march — they cross the bridge — the rmisic sinks. 



ACT THE THIRD. 

SCENE I. — THE HALL OF THE CASTLE OF MOSTGATZ — IN 
THE BACK A LARGE PAINTED WINDOW, KEACHING FJROM 
THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM — A TABLE COVERED WITH A 
CARPET, ON WHICH I.IE6 A ftUNTLE AND A HELMET THK 

CURTAIN RISES TO SOLEMN MUSIC — ALF.XINA DISCOVEBETl 
AT THE HARP — KNEELlXO. 

AIR. 

Peace be to those who nobly bleed, 
In freedom and their country's cause, 

Protecting in the hour of need, 
Their charter, liberty, and laws. 

Loud swell the dirge — the anthem swell, 
Fresh vivid wreaths fair maids entwine, 
# That may to future ages tell. 

Their lives heroic, and their fate divine. 

Aleoo. Heroic men ! — to thee this tribute sure is due ; 
the tear of sorrow shall for ever keep thy laurels green 
— ye noble warriors, on whose valour I had fixed my 
iirm resistance — with more than all the brave Belleski 
—I would have parted with his hand, ere I would vvil- 
tluffly have s^n tlieR fall. But they are e;one— l3*t 



^y i'KKELi ; OK, ACT iji. 

night's attack has cost me dear, and I am left the iso- 
lated leader of discouraged officers and weakened sol- 
diers. Oh, my Tekoli when I behold this letter 
which I've bathed wtth tears for five long months, in 
which you promised to be here with forces from the 
Turkish court, ere the then present week expired — I — 
{noise) — hah? — what's that — (shovi) — hope and fear 
rule in my heart by turns — who's there? 
Enter 1st officer. 
\st offi. Madani, it is impossible to restrain the fury 
of the people, forgetting in the hour of peril all the 
oaths they've taken — all the duty that they owe to you 
— they surround the castle, and demand an audience 
of your highness — let me conjure you to take some 

measures to appease them surrender is inevitable— 

Alex. Surrender? sir— 

\st offi. Consider your life, madam. 

AUx. Consider my honour — I am your leader — and 

I trust in heaven rightly to direct my steps— take from 

my private stores the whole of those provisions there 

reserved for me — distribute them to such as need 

then call the council hither, and ilieir wise 

decrees shall quickly be made known fly. — {exit 

\st officer) — Dearest Tekeli, if 'lis the will of fate 
that we should meet no more— if 'tis decreed that thy 
high-beating heart be pierced by some assassin's knife; 
and if thy glorious soul has winged its flight to those 
seraphic realms where all our sorrows end — if thy ce- 
lestial spirit hovers over roe, or flits among this ancient 
castle's misty darkness, at once the pride and sepiJP 
chre of all our ancestors, inspire me with that heroic 
fortitude that has for twelve successive years made thee 
the terror of thy foes, the glory of thy country, and the 
idol of thy wife. 

[Solemn music — enter soldiers, pages bearing rolls of 
parchment, two ensigns, Sfc. the standard of Tekeli, 
page, helmet, and plume on a cushion, the great stan- 
dard of Hungary, the council, two and two, soldiers 
*~..^J]^ifrm s?nts herse^' vpen tire ihrQEe^ the c^rndl, 



cvO-EJ. THE StBiGK- OF JVIONT^iA'fZ'. oi 

forma semi-circle, the plume and helmet being fiaced 

irpon a table. 

Alex. IM}' brave Knngarians—vve are here asseni- 
blefl at a crisis more important than perlraps another 
yet has been throughout the siege ;— on our decision 
hangs the fate of Hungary ;— this letter of Tekeli, and 
the promise of Turkish aid, ought well to be considered, 
lest at the monier.t when we have signed a treaty that 
for ever may destroy our fame, he may arrive with suc- 
cours and assistance for us; — say, .then, my noble 
friends, whether 'tis better that we should be so bold 
that calm observers might declare us rash, or be so cau- 
tious that we must without resistance yield up the rights 
and freedom of our country — speak — I shall abide your 
counsels — that monarch only is secure of conquest who 
rules his soldiers' hearts. Shall we withstand their ef- 
forts, and reject their offers .'' ottr country's soldiers 
never make a treaty with a foe, till they have con- 
quered them. [trurnpefSi 

Enter Isi officer. 
— A messenger from count Caraffa is without. 

Jllex. Admit him. (exit officer) From Carafta.'' — 
he must not see and carry to the camp the state of out 
distress. Fill ail the ramparts with the strongest of* 
my mei: — chase from your countenances the haggard 
care that sits upon your brow— we must deceive the 
envoy from the count. — Bring me my arms ! 
[The most sumptuous chandeliers descend from the celt- 

ing — the hall is filled with ladies— they put on her 

armour, and throw a regal mantle over her — jnnszc, 

SfC. — she seats herself when dressed. 
Enter Edmund, blindfold, — he starts -lohen unblinded 
— music ceases. 

Edm. Madam — before the count Carafla makes his 
last attack, by which Montgatz must foil, his feelings 
prompt him to conduct himself towards you in such a 
manner a? a female warrior's valour me/its— he there* 



■IZ TKKELI ; Oil, A(ix m. ' 

fore sends me to propose a general pardon for yourself 
and garrison. 

Alex. Hold, sir — did we accept a pardon, we should 
own that we were wrong. No, sir, the wrong is not 
M'ith us — the emperor, your master, would deprive us 
of the privileges we have long enjoyed — he still con- 
tends we shall not choose our king— he will depute a 
viceroy — he, loo, refuses us the exercise of our religion, 
and by the murder of our noblest lords, answers the 
trcatiesthey were sent to make — these are the acts for 
which he offt^rs us a pardon. No, sir, the land we live 
hi can recur to all its ancient rights without tho impu- 
tation of rebellion — to regain those rights is now our 
object; and, till we do, the sword once drawn for 
liberty, will not be sheathed— we fight for freedom, sir 
— we gain it, or we die. 

Edm. Tis well— yet let not all these vain built 
hopes of conquest lure you on ; do you suppose an 
army all viciorious, high in the flush of health, and 
warm withtnumph, can be repulsed by ranks of vveak 
enfeebled soldiers ? — 

Alex. Enfeebled — (she strikes her stvord against her 
shield, and immense ivindows flying open, discover thd 
whole range of baltlemenis covered zviih men) — look 
there— sir— tell the count Caraflfa, if he is determined 
to possess Montgatz, they will exact a noble price; 
for it. 

Edm. Your provisions cannot last. ^ , 

Alex. We will not starve while there are any in 
your camp. 

Edm. Your ammunition — stores — will soon be all 
expended — your ramparts will be soon a heap of ruins 
— your men will fall — and — 

Alex. Tiiere will remain enough to close the gates 
while Alexina lives. 

Edm. Boast on great lady — yours is the vain and 
empty hope of soniPthinj: yet to come; we speak upon 



^z^t. r. THE SIEGE OF MOSTGATZ. 03 

the certainty of what we liave. — Tekeli — yours, the 
brave, the great Tekeli, is our prisoner. 

Cmincil. {all rise) Tekeli!!! 

Alex, (rushes in among them) Hold — Hungarians, 
ye are deceived — this is a deception of the foe — an 
airy fabrication to alarm the feelings of an anxious 
wife — no, sir, was our Tekeli in your power — you 
would not ask a treaty but deinand one — you know 
that he is near us, and you fear least he should gain 
admittance. 

Soldiery. Huzza, Huzza ! — live, live — Tekeli ! 

[cannons, drums, Iritmpets. 

Ak-x. Yon hear — you hear — 

Edm. Confusion ! 
[Enter, amid the shouts, Tehdi and Wolf, tdho, as they 

enter, throw off their peasant's dresses, and discover 

superb military habits — Alexrna and Tekeli embrace, 

and form a group. 

Alex. Unhoped for happiness — 

Tekdi. My Alexin a— 

Alex. Did I not say so — my heart did not deceive 
me — (she embraces him — then trims to Edmund) — now 
tell Carafia that Montgatz becomes impregnable. 

EJyn. This transport is excusable — I have now to 
say the count Carafia has commanded me to make it 
known he gives no quarters to Hungarians. 

Tekeli. Those are his orders are they.-' — soldiers 
hear Tekeli's — when we attack let mercy check your 
zeal, and yield that aid we have hitherto been wont to 
use ; — out of the field all murder is a crime — \'var is a 
curse to nations ; and 'tis a heavenly task to soften 
down its horrors, and prevent the shedding more ol" 
human blood than mere necessity requires. 

Edm. Believe me, sir, I merely spoke the message ; 
it grieved me 1 should be the bearer of it — farewell. 

[the bandage put on — exit Edmund. 

Tekeli. (taking AlexinaJ's hand) This night indeed- 
immediatejy, we are to be attacked— -all is now ready 



Ji l'K'Kt:Ll ; OH, au' u:. 

for the engagement — they say that it sfiali be the last — 
Hungarians prove it so : and if the presence of your i 
general — the man who loves you with his heart ami 
soul, can add new vigour to that courage known and 
tried, that holds your hearts in keeping — follow ray 
steps — I'll be wherever danger calls. Bring forth cm- : 
standards. [standards b-rou^Ii!. 

FOB GOD A/ND FOR OUR COUSTHV. 

This is our motto, young Hungarians — now reoiemher 
'tis your duty rather to die than yield these precious 
ensigns ; these all glorious marks of honour that so oft I 
liave flown in conquest — lead on. j 

[J)Iarch — exeunt — sMiert: — band of music — standards 
■ — council — Tckeli and Alexina. , 

SCENE n.-^A HALL. 

Mai'ch — enter the processicm as it u-cnt off in the lasl , 
scene. \\ 

|l 
Tekeli. My noble friends, the hour ig come that 
must decide your country's fate—consider this and 
firmly strike the blow that stamps your liberty o/ f 
subjugation — this emperor would rob as of our free- ! 
dom, and invade our rights ; ambition leads liim on ! 
yet not that emulative zeal that raises men to deitit li 
but that distracting self created power that seeks t | 
level all besides itself — these are his hopes, his wishes 1 
these — 'tis ours to prove them vain — let them advance : 
— for thus united in ourselves, our heart-blood: high , 
with loyalty and honour, we fight like lions for our ' 
hallowed land — no force can equal this— composed of | 
all our chiefest citizens who boldly now step forth in j 
danger's front to serve their country and their kmg — ! 
heroic volunteers in freedom's cause — lead on, and |i 
charge upon their ftvra fixed ranks. i' 

[yflovrhh <yf tcfmpziii—cr.mnt\ 



cE^SK III. THE SIEGE OF ]\I0S1^AT'^. ^^ 



SCENE III.—THE WHOIX EXTENT OF THE BATTLEWKXTS, 
THE TOWEKS, AND WALLS OF MONTGArZ, — ON AN ELE- 
VATED SITUATION HANGS THE LARGE HUNGARIAN STAND- 
ARD ON THE DISTANT HILLS CAEAFFa's CAMP — THE 

AUSTRIAN COLOUnS FLYING — A GATE AND PORTCULEIS" — 
MARCH. — 

alter troops in all directions, Tekeli, Akxiaa, TVolf, 
4*c. <^c. — they range the armed inhabitants — shout — 
three battles on ramparts — retreat sounded — silence 
•^stage cleared in front. 

Enter Bras defer. 

Bras. Oh dear — oh la (cannon) oh ! — what 

would my master make me come here for — why should 
I die because the Hungarians name their king or the 
emperor — it's all one to me — I've no pretensions to 
:he crown — I'll go and bide myself— I will, by the 
/alour of a soldier — if I could find any old tree or 
ower where I could lie snug till it wa3 all over, I 
ihould be mighty glad, for then if we should conquer, 
I should have my share of the booty ; and if they, I 
should be a prisoner of war ready made to their hands, 
'ithout bruise or blemish — (cannon) — oh dear ! 

[rtms off. 

,-/e commences — an ensign and Austrian soldier 

jight — the ensign tears the colours from the staffs 

and ties them round his body, fighting on — Tekeli 

enters, draws a pistol, shoots the soldier, emJbraces 

I the ejisign. 

i Enter Caraffa. 

i Oar. This time you do not pass. [t1i£yfi-ghi. 

I rmne is sprung behind— part 0/ the castle appeal's 
I inflames — the retreat is sofnded' — Tefrdi (p:er(*mws 



,iO 



/ 



imELI ; OR, 



Soldiers. (sJiout) They fly, they fly — live, live, Te^ 

keli! ! 

j 

Music — all the characters rush in — Alexina loUH the\ 
Austrian standard, lohich she throios at TekeWa 
feet — he catches her in his arms — the stage Ji'ls an 
all sides — Conrad, Christine, Isidore, and ail the 
peasants join the group — the Austrian soldiers itncc"'] 
— shouts— flourish— form a picturesque group. 



E^B OF TEKFJtl ; OR, TUT> SIROE OF M0NT6AT?, 



*^?01 75 568 







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